Posts Tagged ‘Veterinary Medicine’

Awareness Day 2010, Saturday September 18, 2010, is focused on educating the public about the horror of puppymills and supporting the movement to end such horrible facilities. The two articles below were written in early 2010. You can help by spreading word to people you know who are interested in purchasing a purebred or “designer hybrid” pup. Educate them about the dangers of purchasing a puppy online, sight (and site) unseen. Encourage them to avoid the impulsive pet store purchase and to support their local rescue organizations.

Puppy Mills: People and Their Puppies Pay the Ultimate Price

By Nancy Kay, DVM

Twice during the last month, I’ve experienced feelings of anger while in the midst of euthanizing one of my patients. Normally I feel mostly sadness, often combined with an element of relief knowing that suffering is gently and humanely coming to an end. Anger is an unusual visitor, but this emotion is sure to surface whenever I euthanize the innocent victim of a puppy mill (puppy mills are large scale breeding operations that produce puppies for profit with little or no attention paid to breed related inherited diseases). I feel angered when confronted with a sweet little life, cut way too short and clients left confused, bereft, and devastated by the untimely loss of their beloved puppy. Such was the case with Max and Chloe and the people who cared for them.

Max, was an insanely sweet and adorable Boston Terrier. Once an effervescent, bubbly Boston, this nine-month-old pup had become listless- fatigued by the exertion of breathing. You see, Max was born with an abnormally narrowed windpipe (imagine you or me trying to breathe through a straw). My client Ed recalled thinking that his new pup’s breathing seemed abnormally noisy when he picked him up from the airport. He was shipped to California at 10 weeks of age from a breeder in Missouri. Ed had been looking for a Boston Terrier and fell in love with Max the moment he saw his photo online. He did not feel the need to visit the kennel where Max was born because he was so reassured by the emails and telephone conversations he and the breeder had exchanged. She seemed to provide all the right answers to Ed’s questions. Max’s health was guaranteed- any problems and Max could be returned, no questions asked.

Other than the extra noise associated with Max’s breathing (not uncommon in a smoosh-faced breed such as a Boston Terrier), Ed thought he had a normal puppy on his hands. It was only as Max’s body grew in relation to his small windpipe that he developed labored breathing, eventually needing to utilize almost every ounce of energy struggling simply to breathe. Ed was devastated by the news that we had no way to fix this problem. With his own heart breaking, he held his sweet little Max tightly as I injected the euthanasia solution.

Chloe, an eleven-month-old Cocker Spaniel, was born with defective kidneys. Joe and Cindy first laid eyes on Chloe when they happened to pass through a shopping center pet store on their way to the movie theatre. They never made it to the movies that afternoon- they bought a puppy instead! They simply couldn’t resist the charms of the little blonde puppy with the big brown eyes. Joe and Cindy noticed that Chloe drank lots of water, and she could never be fully housetrained. A few months later, when she began vomiting and refusing her food, kidney failure was diagnosed. Ultrasound revealed that both of Chloe’s kidneys were small and malformed- clearly a birth defect. The once vigorous playful puppy gradually had become profoundly weak and lethargic. Unfortunately, we had no reasonable way of creating long-term improvement for Chloe. Heartbroken, Joe and Cindy gently stroked and loved their little girl as I ended her life.

Puppy mills stay in business by preying on people who are willing to buy a puppy without doing their research. These puppy purchasers simply don’t know better or allow their emotions to override their sensibilities. They are vulnerable to the precious face in the online photo or the adorable puppy in the pet store window (pet stores are notorious for purchasing from puppy mills). Puppy mill breeders often “seal the deal” by guaranteeing their puppies’ health, knowing full well how emotionally traumatic and near impossible it is for most people to “return a pup” once deep attachment occurs (deep attachment typically requires less than five minutes!).

My new year’s wish is that my veterinary colleagues and I will see far fewer victims of puppy mills in 2010. You can help my spreading word to people you know who are interested in purchasing a purebred or “designer hybrid” pup. Educate them about the dangers of purchasing a puppy online, sight (and site) unseen. Encourage them to avoid the impulsive pet store purchase. By buying online or from a pet shop, they may be risking losing their beloved new family member at much too young an age, or inadvertently committing the next 10-15 years of their lives to taking care of an inherently unhealthy product of a puppy mill. One less purchase from puppy mills, even indirectly is one step closer to their eradication. Please stay tuned. In my next blog, I will teach you how to recognize the telltale signs of a conscientious breeder.

Puppy Mills: Part II

By Nancy Kay, DVM

I received an abundance of feedback in response to my recent blog about puppy mills. Thanks to all of you who took the time to share your feelings concerning this emotional topic. Virtually all of the comments expressed agreement that puppy mills are despicable and we wish they would cease to exist. They also included important ideas that prompted me to think, “Wow, I wish I’d included that in my blog!” Needless to say, I can’t resist sharing these wonderful comments and stories.

Many of you reminded me that puppy mills spawn significant behavioral issues in their “merchandise” that can be just as devastating, if not more so, than the health issues that arise:

Debbie wrote, “The physical abnormalities in puppy mill dogs are often accompanied by behavioral problems as well, fear being a major issue for many of these dogs who receive inappropriate or inadequate socialization. Like many medical issues the damage done due to inappropriate socialization may also be irreparable.”

Diane commented, “I wanted to point out that for me, behavioral issues are also a major concern in addition to the health problems. Don’t get me wrong, I get my business from people who buy these puppies, but honestly, I would rather just have a class full of wonderful healthy puppies and find some other way to make money.”

Viviane wrote, “The health problems associated with puppy mills are truly heartbreaking and your post about this brought me to tears. As a dog trainer and dog behavior consultant, I also see the behavioral results of this sort of breeding operation all too often, and that too is heartbreaking for unsuspecting souls who fall for a sweet face only to discover profound shyness and/or reactivity. The dog that should have given a lifetime of joy and companionship and of course received the same, now is a beloved but seriously flawed family member who requires management and training to varying degrees for a life time.”

Vanna stated, “I think it is really important to also point out that these puppy mill dogs aren’t properly socialized early on and therefore there are often serious issues by the time they bring the dog home. Of course there is also an issue since they aren’t breeding for temperament.”

Some thought I was tough enough on the puppy mills, but far too soft on the people who patronize puppy mills.

Kerri commented, “It angers me because people who are educated about these horrible operations still buy from them. You say in your post, “Puppy mills stay in business by preying on people who are willing to buy a puppy without doing their research.” When I read that, I thought it was letting the buyers off way too easy. By the late 1990s when I rescued my first Doxie and wrote an investigative piece, Disposable Pets (http://www.writeforyou.biz/Disposable-Pets.htm) it was becoming known, but I think the general public could still be excused for ignorance. Today, the puppy mill buying public would have to literally live in a bubble not to know the problem of puppy mills and the terrible conditions from which these dogs come.”

I couldn’t resist sharing Diane’s inspirational comment with you: “Here! Here! I go one-step further…… I do not buy ANYTHING from pet stores that sell puppies!”

A few people reminded me that, as states are cracking down on puppy mills, the innocent victims wind up in shelters and breed rescue organizations. The people who care for them will require extra help for these emotionally fragile dogs. There is an instructional DVD addressing this unique situation (check out www.missiondog.com).

Lastly, before I share Jeff’s poignant puppy mill story, please be reminded: The purebred dog of your dreams may be awaiting you at your local shelter (yes, many purebred dogs do land there) or breed rescue association. Please don’t forget to consider these options when you are thinking about “expanding the family.”

Now, here is Jeff’s story:

“Nancy: As you may perhaps recall, you sent a couple of very kind emails last year when our little Yorkie, Shelly, died suddenly after having three vaccinations in one day. Soon after we were lucky enough to adopt two Yorkies who were saved from a raided puppy mill near New Hope, Pennsylvania. Forty-six Yorkies were found in an abandoned house in the winter with no heat or water. They were living in birdcages. The Bucks County SPCA is the hero of this story. Their director, Ann Irwin and her people responded to the police in the middle of the night. She mobilized her whole staff and descended on the house at two in the morning and snatched up the poor little dogs. I visited the SPCA a day later when they were giving the little tykes baths. Most were so matted and filthy that they just shaved masses of fur rather than try to wash them. We adopted a very small female, Molly, who they estimate is 5-6 years old. She has numerous cesarean scars on her tummy from her various births. When we got to the house, I took her outside to pee, but she was shocked at standing on grass; a first time experience. After a day or so I was concerned that she wasn’t drinking water. Then it struck me that she probably was not used to drinking from a bowl. I bought her a tube type water dispenser like you would give to a hamster in a cage. She practically emptied it. I don’t think Molly will ever be completely house broken. The extraordinary thing is how affectionate she is. Having gone through what she did one would think she would fear humans. She is the most loving little dog I have ever owned. The second dog is a puppy from one of the pregnant mothers who they let go to term. We originally called her Lucy, but I renamed her Lucifer because she is so bad! These dogs are a great joy, but I have no illusions about Molly. I don’t think she will become an old dog due to her difficult years living in birdcages in unheated basements with poor nutrition.”

Molly at the SPCA after being shaved and bathed

Molly in her new home

Molly and Lucifer

Thanks to everyone who shared their opinions and stories. Let’s hope for ongoing progress in the fight against puppy mills. Wishing you and your four-legged family members abundant good health.

Please visit http://www.speakingforspot.com to read excerpts from Speaking for Spot. There you will also find “Advocacy Aids”- helpful health forms you can download and use for your own dog, and a collection of published articles on advocating for your pet’s health. Speaking for Spot is available at Amazon.com, local bookstores, and your favorite online book seller.

You can support your favorite rescue group. The Speaking for Spot Gives Back Program shares a portion of the sales proceeds with approved non-profit organizations when you purchase a book via theSpeaking for Spot website and designate the organization at the time of purchase.

This week will be “Animal Week” on the popular NPR show, Fresh Air with Terry Gross. The lead interview will feature Dr. Nancy Kay and her book, Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life. This interview originally aired in March and earned the #1 spot on NPR’s “most recommended” list.

Dr. Kay’s interview will be broadcast on August 31st by your local NPR station and streamed via the NPR website (http://freshair.npr.org). In the future you can readily access the interview as a Fresh Air archived podcast and via ITunes.

Please feel free to share this information with friends and relatives along with any organizations devoted to the well being of animals.

Dr. Nancy Kay
Specialist, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Please visit http://www.speakingforspot.com to read excerpts from Speaking for Spot. There you will also find “Advocacy Aids”- helpful health forms you can download and use for your own dog, and a collection of published articles on advocating for your pet’s health. Speaking for Spot is available at Amazon.com, local bookstores, or your favorite online book seller.

A woman named Alice recently sent an email via my website asking me for guidance. Her veterinarian had recommended dental cleaning for her seven-year-old Shiba Inu (an adorable breed) named Posey. While Alice was in agreement that the dental cleaning was truly warranted, she was terribly worried about Posey undergoing general anesthesia. Posey had no significant risks for anesthesia, but Alice was influenced by the painful loss of her last dog who died unexpectedly under anesthesia. Her email was sent to solicit my advice on how to proceed.

I certainly understood Alice’s concerns- who wouldn’t feel the same way? I responded to her email by encouraging her to read the chapter in Speaking for Spot called “Important Questions to Ask Your Vet….and How to Ask Them.” Specifically I referred her to the list of nine questions she would find within the chapter pertaining to general anesthesia such as:

-How can we be certain my dog is a good candidate for anesthesia?

-Will an intravenous (IV) catheter be placed prior to anesthesia?

-What anesthetic monitoring equipment will be used?

Alice responded a few days later. The tone of her email had changed entirely- she sounded profoundly upbeat. She had asked her veterinarian all nine questions from the book. As a result, she felt empowered and had tremendous confidence moving forward with Posey’s dental work. Two weeks later I heard from Alice again. Posey’s dental work was completed and everything proceeded without a hitch (and Posey’s breath was vastly improved). What a fabulous gift such feedback is for me! It makes all that effort that went into Speaking for Spot feel incredibly worthwhile. Thank you Alice!

Wishing you and your four-legged family members good health,

Dr. Nancy Kay
Specialist, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Seung will be entering his last year of veterinary school at Colorado State University. On top of his busy academic load, he manages to work part time as a technician at Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency Clinic. As a way of figuring out which area of specialization to pursue following graduation he decided to experience an externship in a large emergency/specialty hospital. His wife Stephanie heard my NPR interview on Fresh Air with Terry Grossand suggested that Seung consider my hospital. Being the good husband that he is, he did exactly that- an externship was arranged. Imagine his surprise (and mine) when Seung learned that one of his coworkers at the Emergency Clinic is none other than my 22-year-old son, Jacob! Seung has stayed in our home and worked at my hospital this week. He’s an exceptional student who is going to go far in the veterinary profession, and we’ve enjoyed his company enormously. What a delightful coincidence!

Dr. Nancy Kay

Specialist, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Please visit www.speakingforspot.com to read excerpts from Speaking for Spot. There you will also find “Advocacy Aids”- helpful health forms you can download and use for your own dog, and a collection of published articles on advocating for your pet’s health. SPEAKING FOR SPOT is available at Amazon.com, local bookstores, or your favorite online book seller.

I recently learned a fabulous new trick from Jessica, a nurse at my hospital.I was in our treatment room preparing to remove a tick from the base of my dog’s ear.Lucky dogs, Nellie and Quinn got to tag along with my husband and me on a recent horse camping trip. Quinnie, the more adventurous of the two returned home with a tick.When nurse Jessica observed me in the treatment room with thumb forceps in hand (my tick removal instrument of choice), she asked, “Would you like me to show you how to spin a tick?”I’d never heard of such a thing, but I offered forth the mighty Quinn and invited her to demonstrate.

Here is what Jessica did.She placed her index finger on the tick and then rotated her finger counter clockwise in small steady circles.I liken it to using your index finger to perform light pressure circles on the end of your nose.Low and behold, within approximately 20 seconds the tick, completely in tact, detached itself from Quinn (my boy thought he was receiving a massage).After performing this magic, Jessica assured me with utter confidence that it “works every time.”

I was thrilled by what I saw.Not only had this “old dog” learned a new trick, I was delighted by the prospect of employing a tick removal technique that is comfortable for the patient and avoids leaving tick mouthparts behind (a source of chronic irritation for the patient).The next time you discover a tick on your dog or cat, I encourage you to don a plastic glove (prevents tick-borne infectious diseases from entering your body via a skin crack or abrasion) and try this “spin the tick” method.Please let me know if it works for you.By the way, spinning clockwise or counter clockwise should do the trick!

Quinn (left) and Nellie (right). Photo by Susannah Kay

Please visit www.speakingforspot.com to read excerpts from Speaking for Spot. There you will also find “Advocacy Aids”- helpful health forms you can download and use for your own dog, and a collection of published articles on advocating for your pet’s health. SPEAKING FOR SPOT is available at Amazon.com, local bookstores, or your favorite online book seller.

Wishing you and your dog good health,

Dr. Nancy Kay
Specialist, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Calling all California animal lovers! Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently announced a plan to tax veterinary services as part of his budget plan to stimulate the California economy. This was part of a larger combination of program cuts and revenue increases to solve the multi-billion dollar budget shortfall. If passed, this proposal will automatically increase your veterinary bills by nine percent! Not only might this wreak havoc on your personal finances, I am concerned that this new legislation will result in an increased incidence of euthanasia and animal abandonment- a scary thought indeed.

By the way, no other health professions are taxed within this proposal. Rather veterinary services have been “lumped” together for taxation with appliance, furniture, and vehicle repair services. Perhaps Governor Schwarzenegger equates “repairing” a beloved four-legged family member with repair of readily replaceable inanimate objects!

We need to wake Governor Schwarzenegger up! Please voice your concern at once by providing him and your state representatives with a letter expressing your opinion. You will find the letter I wrote to Governor Schwarzenegger at www.speakingforspot.com. Visit www.cvma.net to find mailing addresses for your government officials and to learn more about this tax proposal. Last but not least, let your veterinarian know that you are interested and concerned. He or she will thank you for that!